Hasan Khalifa was born in 2000 in Moscow, but because of international family, he lived in Syria, Ukraine and Russia. He started his photography career in 2022 and moved to Georgia (Batumi) from Moscow. When he was 18 he got his first camera and started practicing with shoots. 

In fact the most part of his portfolio was collected in Georgia and he raised up as a photographer right there. He got clients from Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Cyprus, Russia, UK. 

The concept behind this narrative was to fuse style and fashion, incorporating a photoshoot in the serene backdrop of yellow fields. Hasan found Sofia Hammur in a TFP сhat for photographers, she is an emerging fashion designer hailing from Ukraine, with a focus on upcycling clothing. HAMMURS, her brainchild, stands as a brand committed to sustainable consumption, crafting distinctive ensembles while minimizing environmental impact. Her feeling of beauty helped them to find perfect look and the place for photo session. Hasan always tries to find references and have the whole picture of session, clothes and etc. in his head. Accessories can make a look more detailed and full, that’s why they added belt, earrings, and some rings. 

Georgia is very cinematic place, especially if you shoot nature views like mountains, roads, waterfalls, that’s why many photographers do their job outdoor in Georgia. The chosen place was perfect because of windy, colors and feeling of freedom.

Hasan used digital camera, soft filter and reflector as a perfect source of light outdoor, its powerful, it has no weight but it makes a good picture.

He also said that didn’t expect something extraordinary from this session, but as always in art, something interesting happens when you don’t wait it.

He believes that interesting photos are made of details like hair, length of hair, type of clothes, weather, landscape and other things.

The sessions was ended with sunset and its kind of meditation to shoot at such places because photography is about what do you see and feel. But with the last button’s push work doesn’t stop. Hasan pays special attention at colors because it can improve an atmosphere if you made color correction right. I am very often take my inspiration from film colors because it’s looks cinematic and sometimes unbelievable.

Special thanks to Sofia for helping.

https://www.positive-magazine.com/hasan-khalifa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hasan-khalifa

In a captivating series titled “My Mother’s Tender Script,” the artist embarks on a poignant exploration of the narrative woven by their late mother through a humble phone notebook. The series delves into a life marked by early hardships, resilience, and an enduring legacy.

Born into a world that denied her a childhood, the artist’s mother married at the tender age of 11, faced the pain of widowhood at 15, and remarried at 17. Her story, shaped by adversity and early responsibilities, serves as a testament to her unwavering determination.

Despite a lack of formal education, the mother found solace and expression in the kitchen, particularly in the art of making bread. It was within the warmth of the hearth and the rhythmic kneading of dough that her early story unfolded, revealing a woman of strength and resilience.

In stark contrast, the father, an erudite writer and journalist, led a life adorned with education, cultural experiences, and literary engagements. The two paths, seemingly worlds apart, met at a crossroads in the form of the artist’s mother. Her meticulous maintenance of a phone notebook, a personal treasure trove of contacts and thoughts, reflects her desire for connection and a convergence of disparate worlds.

The artist, in creating “My Mother’s Tender Script,” has transformed a black-and-white print from the late 1970s into an enlarged negative. The delicate drawings and writings from the phone notebook are seamlessly incorporated using the resino-pigmentype technique, a method invented in the mid-nineteenth century.

This creative endeavor goes beyond a mere replication of the past; it stands as a heartfelt tribute to the resilience, struggles, and enduring legacy of the artist’s mother. Through art, the indomitable spirit of a woman who faced life’s challenges head-on is celebrated, offering a glimpse into a narrative that is both personal and universal. “My Mother’s Tender Script” invites viewers to connect with the human experience, finding inspiration in the face of adversity and the strength to forge a lasting legacy.

https://www.positive-magazine.com/mother-tender-script/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mother-tender-script

Galerie Miranda, a renowned art space in Paris, is marking its 6th anniversary with the launch of “Private Views,” the first in a series of four capsule exhibitions. Curated by gallery founder Miranda Salt, this anniversary cycle offers a retrospective look at the gallery’s choices over the years, juxtaposing historical photographic references with contemporary works across broad themes.

“Private Views” explores different facets of intimacy, ranging from beauty and bodies to stereotypes, privacy, desire, love, and the end of love. The exhibition features a curated selection of distinctive works, incorporating both new and inventory pieces, produced from the mid-1970s to the present day.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the exclusive showcase of selected images by Jean Curran, an artist from Ireland known for her hand-made dye-transfer prints. Curran’s unique prints are derived from the original Cinemascope reels of Jean-Luc Godard’s iconic film, “Le Mépris” (Contempt, 1963), starring Brigitte Bardot. This unveiling at Galerie Miranda provides art enthusiasts with a first-time opportunity to witness the intricate details of Curran’s transformative process.

Jo Ann Callis, a distinguished photographer based in Los Angeles, is also featured in “Private Views.” With a career spanning over four decades, Callis has taught at CalArts since 1976 and is a faculty member of the School of Art’s Program in Photography and Media. The exhibition presents works by Callis in collaboration with ROSEGALLERY, Santa Monica, showcasing her exploration of themes such as beauty and intimacy.

Callis’s extensive portfolio, with over 40 personal exhibitions, has been exhibited globally, including at prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Notable among her achievements are three NEA Fellowships and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Jean Curran, on the other hand, is recognized as one of the few dye-transfer printers in the world today. Her commitment to re-contextualizing early color films as still frame photographic images is evident in her laborious and meticulous printing process. The exhibition at Galerie Miranda unveils her latest series, “Godard/Bardot,” comprising 13 dye-transfer prints from the original reels of “Le Mépris” by Jean-Luc Godard.

“Private Views” invites art enthusiasts to engage with the dialogue between historical and contemporary perspectives on intimacy, making it a must-visit for those interested in the intersection of cinema, photography, and art. The exhibition is a testament to Galerie Miranda’s six years of fostering innovative and thought-provoking artistic expression.

https://www.positive-magazine.com/miranda-gallery/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=miranda-gallery

Serpentine Gallery is announcing the forthcoming solo exhibition featuring the recent works of acclaimed American artist Barbara Kruger, set to captivate art enthusiasts at Serpentine South from February 1st to March 17th, 2024. The exhibition, aptly titled “Thinking of You. I Mean Me. I Mean You.,” promises a visually immersive experience, transcending the boundaries of traditional art display.

In a groundbreaking collaboration with Outernet Arts, the showcase will extend its reach beyond the gallery walls, venturing into the public domain. This strategic partnership aims to bring Kruger’s compelling art to a wider audience, enriching the cultural landscape of London.

The exhibition boasts a diverse collection of installations, dynamic visual works, and immersive soundscapes strategically placed throughout the Serpentine premises. From the interior of the building to the bookshop and exterior banners, even making its mark on electric taxis, the artistry will seamlessly blend with the surroundings. Particularly noteworthy are the large-scale wraparound screens at Outernet Arts, promising a multisensory encounter for attendees.

Adding a contemporary twist to her renowned oeuvre, Barbara Kruger, known for her ingenious blend of imagery and words, has embraced the creative realm of TikTok for the first time. This foray into the popular social media platform reflects the artist’s adaptability and willingness to explore new avenues of expression.

For Kruger, this exhibition marks a significant milestone – her first solo institutional show in London in over two decades, signifying a triumphant return to Serpentine. Notably, her previous engagement with the gallery was in 1994 as part of the dynamic group exhibition “Wall to Wall.”

At the core of Kruger’s artistic philosophy lies an exploration of visual culture and image construction. Renowned for her skillful manipulation of imagery and language, she draws inspiration from the languages of advertising, graphic design, and magazines. Kruger’s art delves into the intricate dynamics of power, gender, class, and capital, offering a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary societal structures.

As the art world eagerly anticipates the unveiling of “Thinking of You. I Mean Me. I Mean You.,” Barbara Kruger’s solo exhibition promises to leave an indelible mark on London’s cultural scene, inviting audiences to engage with art in new and meaningful ways.

https://www.positive-magazine.com/barbara-kruger-unveils-striking-solo-exhibition-at-serpentine-south/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=barbara-kruger-unveils-striking-solo-exhibition-at-serpentine-south

The festival of young European photography returns from April 6 to June 2, 2024, at CENTQUATRE-PARIS.

This year, the photography of the poster is by Tom Kleinberg. His series “Forgotten in the Dark” explores the enchanting yet marginalized world of ballroom and queer communities in Seoul.

Questioning norms, proposing new iconographies, documenting forgotten stories, creating bridges between cultures and identities… These are all concerns highlighted by the artist and shared by the Fetart collective, which constantly aims to reveal stories beyond artistic, geographical, and political boundaries, through the eyes of its emerging photographers.

For the 2024 edition, discover 24 emerging photographers from 14 European countries — including 4 artists from the Ukrainian territory, a country honored as part of our focus on a particular emerging photographic scene: Maryna BRODOVSKA, Lisa BURKEYEVA, Yevheniia LAPTII, Dima TOLKACHOV.

The 2024 edition will continue to connect artists, professionals and the public through these moments of meetings. The program will reserves rich and varied events to bring the festival to life. Masterclasses, workshops, portfolio readings, photo studios, exhibition for children.

Discover here the list of the artists selected.

https://www.positive-magazine.com/european-young-photography-festival/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=european-young-photography-festival

The Golden Globe Foundation (GGF) has recently announced the renewal of its residency program for directors affiliated with Biennale College – Cinema, in collaboration with Film Independent. The primary objective of this program is to facilitate the professional growth of emerging filmmakers through a three-week residency in Los Angeles. Earl Gibson, the President of the Golden Globe Foundation, expressed enthusiasm for the renewed collaboration with the Venice Biennale International Film Festival and Film Independent, emphasizing the goal of providing young filmmakers with a valuable experience and opportunities to engage with established directors.

The upcoming residency in February 2024 will host three directors from Hungary, Italy, and Mexico, all associated with Biennale College – Cinema. In a broader international perspective, three accomplished female directors from India, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, selected by Redsea Labs and Film Independent, will also join the program. During their stay in Hollywood, each pair of directors will be paired with mentors, established filmmakers who will assist them in refining their skills. The directors will have the chance to showcase their work, participate in screenings, and attend educational events organized by Film Independent. The residency will culminate with an invitation for the participants to attend the prestigious Film Independent Spirit Awards on February 25, 2024.

The comprehensive residency activities include an orientation for directors, outlining the program, goals, partners, and mentors. Additionally, there will be a rich program of masterclasses, workshops, and writing and directing sessions tailored to the directors’ experience levels. This renewal of the GGF Residency Program, formerly supported by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, signifies the Foundation’s commitment to actively mentor emerging directors through a personalized program developed in collaboration with Film Independent.

The Golden Globe Foundation, established in 2023 following the sale of the Golden Globes to Eldridge Globi, LLC, uses the proceeds and resources to continue a longstanding tradition of entertainment-related charitable donations. The Foundation, along with its predecessor, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, has a history of supporting various nonprofit organizations, including those assisting universities, disadvantaged communities, film restoration projects in the U.S. and abroad, and aid programs for journalists worldwide.

Film Independent, with over 40 years of experience, has been a stalwart in supporting directors in realizing and presenting their projects. As a nonprofit organization, Film Independent aims to uphold creative independence in visual storytelling and foster a culture of inclusion within a global community of artists and audiences embodying diversity, innovation, curiosity, and unique visions. The organization not only produces the renowned Film Independent Spirit Awards but also supports creative professionals through diverse programs, scholarships, and artist development labs.

Noteworthy initiatives like Project Involve focus on promoting the careers of talented directors from underrepresented communities. Film Independent’s educational events and workshops cater to directors of all ages and experience levels, providing them with valuable tools and resources. The Global Media Makers program, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State, offers international cinema professionals career-building opportunities, while Film Independent Presents delivers a year-round program of unique cinematic experiences, including screenings, conversations, live readings, and musical events. This collaborative effort between the Golden Globe Foundation and Film Independent underscores their commitment to fostering connections between Hollywood and the global film community, with a focus on nurturing the next generation of filmmakers.

https://www.positive-magazine.com/ggf-and-biennale-college-renew-their-collaboration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ggf-and-biennale-college-renew-their-collaboration

London-based STUFISH transformed Riyadh’s former multi-storey carpark into the Middle East’s largest start-up incubator, named The Garage. Spanning 28,000 square meters on the campus of King Abdulaziz University, it offers incubation, acceleration, and various support services for over 300 tech startups. Completed in late 2023, The Garage incubator collaborates with industry leaders like Google and the National Center for Information Technology Development. The adaptive reuse project preserved the garage atmosphere, incorporating urban art and original features. The three-level incubator structure features a dynamic aluminum ribbed facade, with the central car ramp activated for additional spaces. Representing STUFISH’s first permanent structure in the Middle East, The Garage exemplifies adaptive reuse trends in Riyadh, providing a sustainable, innovative hub. STUFISH, renowned for temporary architecture, recently designed stages for artists like Beyonce, Madonna, and U2.

About STUFISH Studio:
STUFISH Entertainment Architects, a global leader in entertainment architecture, boasts an award-winning portfolio spanning permanent buildings, live productions, touring shows, exhibitions, and more. Notable projects include The Coronation Concert, Platinum Jubilee Party, Adele’s Las Vegas Residency, U2’s Las Vegas residence, and tours for Beyoncé, Madonna, Stormzy, Elton John, Rolling Stones, and more. Their metaverse presence includes Pentakill’s virtual concert, and exhibition design highlights Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Award-winning permanent designs include the Han Show Theatre and Dai Show Theatre in China. Their recent achievement is the tourable ABBA Arena, a 3000-capacity theatre for the ABBA Voyage show. STUFISH’s diverse portfolio also includes the opening ceremony for F1 in Las Vegas, ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics 2008, Asian Games 2010, UAE 40th Anniversary Show, and more. They have created art installations such as LEAP The Kaleidoscope and the Vision 2030 experience for Cityscape Global 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

https://www.positive-magazine.com/the-middle-easts-largest-start-up-incubator/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-middle-easts-largest-start-up-incubator

Brooklyn artist Elizabeth Schwaiger, known for her insightful exploration of personal spaces through painting, shares her enduring connection with her studio. She describes it as an extension of herself, confessing to feeling more at home there than in her own body. In a discussion with CULTURED, she delves into the creative and emotional journey that led her to this intimate space.

When asked about the takeaway from her exhibition, “Now & Now & Now,” Schwaiger expresses a desire for viewers to leave feeling fulfilled, their senses still resonating with the richness of her art. Beyond surface-level elements like color and composition, she hopes the audience will discover depth in everyday surroundings—a dimensional overlay and conflict in reflections, screens, or light. Her compositions, akin to Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem “Dear Darkening Ground,” capture a paradoxical tranquility hinting at the cyclical nature of existence. Schwaiger’s works confront the powerful forces shaping our world, exploring themes of hubris, indifference, and attempts to dominate decay within the context of inevitable natural cycles.

On view through February 24 at Nicola Vassel Gallery 138 Tenth Avenue New York, NY 10011

https://www.positive-magazine.com/elizabeth-schwaiger-now-now-now/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=elizabeth-schwaiger-now-now-now

Jacquemus and Repetto proudly unveil their collaboration as part of the designer’s latest collection titled “Les Sculptures.”

Within this collaboration, Jacquemus reimagines Repetto’s timeless richelieu shoes, specifically the iconic Zizi model. The reinterpretation introduces a square toe and a distinctive circular heel, playing with a unique geometry that pays homage to the house’s original pointe shoes deeply rooted in its ballet heritage. Crafted using the unparalleled stitch-and-return technique at Repetto’s workshops in Dordogne, France, this new design, characterized by androgynous lines, not only celebrates exceptional craftsmanship but also reflects a visionary spirit.

In the 1970s, Rose Repetto, the founder of the brand, drew inspiration from jazz shoes to create the Richelieu, later named Zizi after her daughter-in-law Zizi Jeanmaire, a renowned dancer and socialite of that era. The Zizi gained further prominence when Serge Gainsbourg embraced its comfort, making it an integral part of his iconic signature look. Through the years, the Zizi has evolved into a mythical shoe cherished across generations.

Repetto, an iconic house in the realm of French luxury with deep ties to the ballet world, has been upholding exceptional craftsmanship since its establishment in 1947. The hallmark of its timeless and emblematic style lies in the unique stitch-and-return technique used in crafting its iconic ballerinas. Today, Repetto extends its aesthetic signature to various creations, including footwear, leather goods, dancewear, and active wear.

Based in Paris’s 8th arrondissement, JACQUEMUS has evolved into an independent fashion house with 250 employees, renowned for its rapid digital growth and global business presence. Founded by Simon Porte Jacquemus in 2009, the brand’s flagship store, opened in 2022, stands at 58 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. Simon’s journey from Salon-de-Provence, South of France, to Paris reflects a story of resilience and artistic vision. From the initial naïveté and graphic style of the early collections to a more mature and naturalistic representation, Jacquemus has carved a trajectory over 14 years, presenting a self-assured and resolutely feminine figure in his shows. The brand, originally named after Simon’s mother’s maiden name, Jacquemus, continues to captivate audiences with artistic escapism and an air of seduction.

https://www.positive-magazine.com/les-zizi-repetto-jacquemus/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=les-zizi-repetto-jacquemus

A Day In Your Life, an annual photography competition curated by award-winning photographer Alison Jackson, is open to aspiring photographers aged 4 to 24 in Kensington & Chelsea (London UK). The project aims to support under-represented youth through skills-led workshops and offers opportunities in the creative industry. This Thursday, an exhibition of winning entries will be held at Cadogan Hall, with esteemed judges in attendance. The initiative, now expanding to Westminster (London, UK), provides education, mentorships, and job opportunities. Alison Jackson emphasizes equal opportunities, with prizes focused on education and vocational training. Sponsors, including Cadogan Estates, aim to impact the community positively by opening doors to young creatives. Previous winners had their work showcased at prestigious venues like Saatchi Gallery, SaatchiArt, PhotoLondon, RBKC Town Hall, and The Duke of York Square.

https://www.positive-magazine.com/a-day-in-your-life/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=a-day-in-your-life